Forestry training success being celebrated down South

Friday 18 May 2018

For the evening of Friday 25 May, the Southern Wood Council is expecting another huge turnout by local forestry companies, contractors and transport operators from throughout the lower South Island, New Zealand. The function is the Southern Wood Council Forestry Awards for 2018.

The Council, representing all major forest owners and most of the major wood processing companies in Otago and Southland is running the 2018 Awards programme in conjunction with the industry training organisation, Competenz. The event profiles the real contribution that forestry and those working within the industry are making to the economic and social well-being of the region. It celebrates the success of those from within the industry that have achieved formal training qualifications over the year and through a series of nine major awards, recognises the industry’s top performers from across the lower South Island.

The industry is again expected to rally on the night. The last two years have brought together over 350 forest managers, forestry contractors, wood processing companies, transport operators and key suppliers to the industry from throughout the region to the awards evening at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.

“The turnout by forestry workers, their families and supporters on the night is probably a true reflection of the momentum that’s been building over the last few years with on-site training and safety in this region” says Brent Apthorp, Secretary of the Southern Wood Council. “In addition to celebrating the training achievements of forestry crews, many travelling into Dunedin, some driving 3-4 hours to attend past awards evenings have brought with them other workers to celebrate the year – and to recognise the success of forestry workers, crews and companies that have stood out over the past 12 months”.

A guest speaker at this year’s Awards evening is a young triathlete, Aaron Fleming. Aaron is a published author, an in-demand public speaker and an Ironman triathlete. Aaron Fleming has a chocka resume for a 34-year-old. He has recently been appointed as the Operations Director for DOC for the Southern South Island. He also has been a Sir Peter Blake Leader Award recipient, author of motivational book Purpose, multiple international Ironman athlete, New Zealand’s Olympic Games torchbearer, previous finalist for Young New Zealander of the Year and a television presenter. Further details can be found on the SWC website, www.southernwoodcouncil.co.nz.

If you’re from the Southland, Otago or North Otago regions, you should be there. It’s the largest gathering of the industry in the region by a long shot for the year. It’s also FREE to attend.